The verdict in three sentences
The aggregator wins when you're starting out or selling multi-channel: one SDK for cards, bank transfer and mobile money, at 2 to 3 % in fees. Direct integration wins at high volume on a dominant channel: 1 to 1.5 % in fees, but one payment method and more code to maintain. The tipping point sits above 15,000,000 FCFA in monthly volume, when fee savings far exceed the cost of direct development.
The real trade-off: cost vs control vs coverage
| Criterion | Aggregator | Direct integration |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction fee | 2 to 3 % | 1 to 1.5 % |
| Payment methods | All in 1 SDK | 1 channel at a time |
| Integration cost | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | 250,000 to 600,000 FCFA/channel |
| Time to implement | 2 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days/channel |
| Maintenance | Carried by aggregator | On you |
| UX control | Limited | Total |
These ranges are 2026 estimates. The logic is clear: the aggregator pools complexity for a fee premium; direct trades dev work for lower fees.
The tipping point, in figures
Let's compare a volume of 15,000,000 FCFA/month with the fee gap between aggregator (2.5 %) and direct (1.3 %).
| Monthly volume | Aggregator fee (2.5 %) | Direct fee (1.3 %) | Monthly saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000,000 FCFA | 125,000 FCFA | 65,000 FCFA | 60,000 FCFA |
| 10,000,000 FCFA | 250,000 FCFA | 130,000 FCFA | 120,000 FCFA |
| 15,000,000 FCFA | 375,000 FCFA | 195,000 FCFA | 180,000 FCFA |
| 25,000,000 FCFA | 625,000 FCFA | 325,000 FCFA | 300,000 FCFA |
At 15,000,000 FCFA/month, the annual saving from direct reaches 2,160,000 FCFA — enough to repay a 500,000 FCFA direct build in under three months. Below that, the aggregator stays more profitable once maintenance cost is factored in.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you advise merchants, run a community of stores or a network of entrepreneurs? The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program pays you for every project you bring us, whatever the integration choice.
| Project type | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
Concretely, a 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce project earns you 240,000 FCFA in commission, plus 5 % on recurring maintenance. You speak the merchants' language, we integrate Wave, the aggregator or direct: the winning duo.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mariam runs a fashion store in Dakar that grew to 18,000,000 FCFA/month, 85 % of it via Wave. On an aggregator at 2.5 %, she paid 450,000 FCFA/month. By switching to a direct Wave integration at 1.3 % for her dominant channel while keeping the aggregator for card and Orange Money, she drops to 270,000 FCFA/month. Saving: 180,000 FCFA/month, i.e. 2,160,000 FCFA/year, for a direct build amortized in under three months. The right design is direct on the king channel and aggregator for the tail.
FAQ
At what volume should I move to direct?
Generally above 15,000,000 FCFA/month on a dominant channel, when fee savings far exceed the cost of building and maintaining the direct integration.
Can you combine both approaches?
Yes, and it's often optimal: direct integration on the king channel (Wave in Senegal) and aggregator for secondary channels (card, Orange Money). You minimize fees where volume is concentrated.
Is direct integration riskier?
It demands more rigor: webhook handling, reconciliation and maintenance are on you. Done well, it's as reliable as the aggregator, for less.
How much does a direct Wave integration cost?
Expect 250,000 to 600,000 FCFA per channel in 2026, versus 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA for a multi-channel aggregator. The difference repays quickly at high volume.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Contact us: you introduce a client, we run the project, and you earn 8 to 15 % on the sale depending on the pole, plus 5 % recurring on showcase and e-commerce.
Let's talk about your project. We calculate your tipping point and design the cheapest payment architecture for your volume — or bring you into our referral program. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
